Discussed are the factors to be considered when establishing a computer network. Considered are telecommunications, in general, along with channels, switching, packet switching, transmission, multiplexing, and local area networks (LANS). (TW)

Describes Project Orillas, a telecommunications network designed to improve the writing skills of bilingual and foreign language students studying English and Spanish in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States. The electronic bulletin board system used for communication is explained and guidelines for joining the network are included. (LRW)

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

A guide to the use of authentic European French-language broadcast television for language instruction provides tools and criteria for analyzing its functions, characteristics, and messages. (MSE)

The effectiveness of distance education methods that involve direct interaction between the student and communications satellite technology is discussed, drawing on experiences in British Columbia adult distance education programs using interactive instructional television and other modern technologies. (MSE)

Discusses the addition of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration database to the National Science Foundation's NSFnet data communication network. Outlines the history of databases in the United States and enumerates proposed upgrades from a new Office of Science and Technology policy report. (TW)

Compares David Kearns' resentment of school performance (in the same "Kappan" issue) to the author's own frustration with Xerox photocopiers. To achieve the restructuring and choice central to Kearns' educational recovery plan, the schools will need to depend increasingly on technology (computer simulations, interactive video, and…

Two articles address the design of microcomputer networks and the use of local area computer networks (LAN) to improve library automation. Topics discussed include network design criteria, media for local networks, transmission mode, typical communication protocols, user interface, basic local network architectures, and examples of microcomputer…

The first of two articles on privacy considers its development in U.S. tort law and its social and ethical aspects in the context of changing technology. The second, by Linowes and Bennett, examines the role of data-protection as a policy problem using the concepts and approaches of political science. (Author/EM)

Dicusses some probable developments in the areas of biotechnologies and information technologies and their implications for ethical preparation, new pedagogical models, and other aspects of a value-oriented curriculum. (DMM)

Two possible uses of technology for industrial training, one involving traditional instruction with extensive use of computers in groups of varying size and the other providing an instantaneous online training and information system on the production line, are suggested as illustrations of the potential for advanced telecommunications applications…

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

Describes ICONS (International Communication and Negotiations Simulation) which involves about 20 university teams, each one representing a different country in the scenario. The team members come from the fields of International Studies, International Communications Technologies and internationallly used foreign languages, and they communicate by…

Telephone system acquisition by institutions of higher education is discussed. Some important areas of investigation are described and more comprehensive explorations of telephone systems are encouraged. Management of telephone systems and changing the telephone system are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A high school received a grant for approximately $125,000 to build a state-of-the-art television studio. Since research showed that the job market was open for trainees with technical telecommunications skills, a partnership with a nearby community college was established to provide this training. The technical program is described. (JN)